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OU urging civility in wake of alleged sexual assault

By: Encarnita Pyle

The Columbus Dispatch - October 17, 2013 04:25 PM

Ohio University President Roderick J. McDavis today condemned a public sex act on a public
Athens street early Saturday that is being investigated as a possible rape of an OU student as
being contrary to the school's values of "character, community and civility."

"The incident and the ensuing response have been difficult for our university community, and in
our time of fast-paced communications, some of the discussion surrounding this event has been
divisive and unproductive," McDavis said in a written statement this afternoon.

"I ask for your thoughtful input and civility as we seek to ensure the safety of our students as
well as the integrity of the Ohio University community."

He said the incident, in which a male performed oral sex on a female Ohio University student
against a Court Street bank building, is being investigated by the university and Athens Police
Department.

The 20-year-old woman filed a police report on Sunday after photos and videos of the incident by
passers-by were widely shared, sparking a fire storm of criticism of everyone involved including
the onlookers who didn't intervene. It is unclear if the male is an Ohio University student.

McDavis also challenged the community to embrace the unfortunate incident as a teaching
moment.

"Today, Ohio University can help to shape the national conversation on important societal
issues. It is my hope that we will use this opportunity to foster open dialogue on issues of
conduct, community, civility, and the impacts of social media," he wrote.

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